COATESVILLE, PA — In a tragic case of neglect, Holly Back, 40, and Mousa Hawa, 41, have been arrested and charged with multiple crimes related to the death of an 8-year-old child due to exposure to illegal drugs. The Chester County District Attorney’s Office, along with local police and county detectives, announced the arrests in Coatesville, Pennsylvania. Hawa, the biological father of the child, faces charges alongside Back.
The duo has been charged with third-degree murder, involuntary manslaughter, and related offenses. Holly Back was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Gregory Hines with bail set at $1 million. Mousa Hawa’s arraignment is scheduled for today, and both await a preliminary hearing on June 12.
District Attorney Christopher L. de Barrena-Sarobe condemned the defendants, stating, “Parents have a sacred responsibility to care for their children… these Defendants prioritized easy access to drugs over the health and safety of their child, leaving deadly fentanyl within arm’s reach. It is inexcutable. And it is murder.”
The case unfolded after a distressing 911 call early on July 26, 2023, led Coatesville Police to the scene where they found the child in cardiac arrest. Despite attempts at CPR by Hawa and later by officers, the child was pronounced dead upon arrival at Chester County Hospital.
Investigations revealed the home was cluttered with drug paraphernalia, including heroin bags and a shoebox filled with fentanyl-laced bags. Texts between the defendants indicated ongoing drug use. Analysis of the child’s biological samples found traces of cocaine and fentanyl, suggesting prolonged exposure to these hazardous substances.